Buddhism in Andhradesa

Religion is one of the earliest social institution created by mankind. Buddhism was a popular living faith in 6th. C. B.C. The role played by royalty, laity, artisanal and mercantile sections. Patronizing the Buddhist Sangha along with monasteries, and its role facilitating a new social order and state formation. Buddhism has answered the several changes that occurred. During his life time itself Buddha established Buddhist Sangha in which membership was made open to all persons, male or female above 15 years of age without caste restrictions. The Sangha or the Church played a significant role in preserving and propagating the doctrines of Buddha In due course of time Buddhist Sangha set up many monasteries in different regions which grew up not merely as organisations for training missionaries but also great centres of culture and teachers, students and scholars flocked from far and near. Royal patronage under Asoka, Kanishka and Harsha also helped the cause of Buddhism.